PAST EVENT: Essence of Kyoto

PAST EVENT: Essence of Kyoto

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We are happy to welcome you back at Sway Gallery London!
 The collection is available online in our e-shop, as well as in our physical store in Old Street.

ESSENCE OF KYOTO

Tradition for the 21st Century

Kyoto. The eternal city.  Brimming with world-renowned artisanship and rich history.

As the beating heart of Japanese culture, traditional Kyoto crafts have continued to flourish for centuries.  Since serving the Imperial Household and aristocracy, this craftsmanship has been preserved and skilfully developed through the generations.

Our collection of traditional wares has been specially curated to bring the essence of Japan’s cultural capital to modern lifestyles.  Experience the Kyō way in your daily life with each piece.

BENRIDO
One of Kyoto’s most loved stores with roots dating back to the Meiji period, Benrido are well-known for their stationery and art prints.  Explore a wide range featuring quintessentially Japanese patterns and motifs, as well as iconic masterpieces.

HANNARI
A little-known word outside of Kyoto, the Japanese term hannari embodies soft, refined elegance.  Much like its unique namesake, Alpha Blanca’s vivid ‘Hannari’ series draws on the long, esteemed history of Kyo earthenware to create beautiful, contemporary pieces for your home.

NAKAMURA ROSOKU
Unlike Western-made candles, wa-rousoku (Japanese candles) are made from all plant-based materials.  Since 1887 Nakamura Rousuku have handmade Kyo-rousoku and e-rousoku (painted candles) using the fruit of the rare Haze tree, nurturing the next generation of artisans in both cultivation and craft. 

NISHIKAWA TEIZABURO SHOTEN
Established in 1917, T. Nishikawa & Co. Inc are celebrated for helping to introduce Kyo ware to the rest of the world.  From matcha bowls to tableware, for the past 100 years they have been at the forefront of crafting traditional and exquisite Kiyomizu.

TORII
While Torii, pioneers in the art of kireji (woven textiles), was founded in the Meiji era, today they use stunning Hyôsôgire fabric traditionally used for mounting scrolls to craft modern pieces such as bottle bags.  Exclusive to Sway Gallery,  each bag is created using different Donsu-style colours and patterns.

TSUCHIDA NINGYO
Tsuchida Ningyo craft charming pottery using moulds and kilns that are traditionally used to make Kyoto’s famous dolls.  Most well-known for their sweet cats, each figurine is hand-painted in a variety of colourful and whimsical patterns.

KyotoのEssenceを日常に

悠久の都市・京都。歴史と共に育まれた多様な技術と職人業。
京都は、都で栄えていた時代から宮中に捧げるものとしての技術の高まりや、日本全国から集まる”業”の集積地として、工芸が発展し、今なおその技術が脈々と受け継がれています。その技術や歴史が、国内外問わず発信できるよう、国内外の方のライフスタイルに取り入れて頂き、生活の質が少しでも豊かになるよう、販売拠点の展開を行っています。
その多様な技術や職人業を商品にのせ、”伝統工芸”という者ではなくあくまで現代に即した”ライフスタイル提案”としてお届けします。